Loni Anderson, the Minnesota-born actor who became a household name as Jennifer Marlowe on the CBS sitcom “WKRP in Cincinnati,” died Sunday at a Los Angeles hospital following a prolonged illness, her longtime publicist Cheryl J. Kagan said. She was 79 and would have turned 80 on Aug. 5. Anderson’s portrayal of the savvy receptionist at a struggling Ohio radio station ran from 1978 to 1982 and earned her two Emmy and three Golden Globe nominations. The role propelled a four-decade career that spanned films such as the 1983 NASCAR comedy “Stroker Ace,” frequent guest parts on television series including “S.W.A.T.” and “The Love Boat,” and publication of her 1995 memoir, “My Life in High Heels.” Born on Aug. 5 1945 in St. Paul, Anderson married actor Burt Reynolds in 1988; the couple divorced in 1994 but retained ties through their son, Quinton. She wed Bob Flick, a founding member of folk group The Brothers Four, in 2008. Anderson is survived by Flick, daughter Deidra Hoffman, Quinton Anderson Reynolds and several grandchildren. A private family service will be held at Hollywood Forever Cemetery, with a public celebration of life to follow.